Monday, May 26, 2014

Tara: "My style is artsy, acoustic and folky. I love Anthropologie and the beautiful earthy tones in their fashion."

TorontoVerve: "Who's your biggest role model in life?"

Tara: "There's so many people who inspire me -- especially in terms of musical artists, but at the moment it's Ben Howard. Musically I love his tone -- the way he puts his lyrics and music together. He's very playful and talkative. I love to sing and write my own stuff and he's a huge inspiration."

Friday, May 23, 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Natasha: "My style is really dependent on my mood. I wear a lot of vintage, but I'm really inspired by Japanese designers Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo -- as well as Belgian designers Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela. They all have a cleanliness in their lines and a willingness to take risks, but in a way that's not overdone or fussy. Right now I'm wearing a dress by Jeremy Laing -- a Canadian designer who works out of Toronto, but shows in New York actually. I also like to wear a lot of leather and rings."

TorontoVerve: "Who's your biggest role model in life?"

Natasha: "Oh God -- this one's hard to answer. It's probably a toss up between German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, Rocker Courtney Love and Italian heiress Marchesa Luisa Casati. I love all of Nietzsche's work. I wrote my undergrad thesis on a lot of his stuff as well as fashion and self-stylization. He really has a way with words and I've learned to 'go for it' and be bold from his literature. Courtney Love because she's an amazing rocker. Live Through This is such a great album. Finally, the Marchesa Luisa Casati because she was the Lady Gaga of the early twentieth century. She most famously said, "I want to be a living work of art." She was known for wearing the most outrageous stuff. She's just kinda kooky and crazy and I love that."

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Geoffrey: "I like to switch things up a little bit -- maybe go old school from the 1920's & 30s era and spice it up with new styles every now and again. A good pair of shoes and a nice hat ties up an outfit nicely."

TorontoVerve: "What is it about that era that appeals to you?"

Geoffrey: "I think it's just gentlemen taking the time in the morning to really put an effort in what they're wearing before they go out, and I think it's that presentation that really helps in everyday life."

TorontoVerve: "Is there anyone in particular from that era who inspires you?"

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Hannah: "I like many different looks. Could be really casual one day and very dressy another day. Whatever the mood is of the day. I have a lot of clothes and I love putting them together in interesting ways. I'm very passionate about fashion. Coco Chanel is my original inspiration. It's just classic -- it's timeless and beautiful."

TorontoVerve: "Who's your biggest role model in life?"

Hannah: "My mother. She's no longer alive. She died about a year and a half ago, but she's the most wonderful person in the world. She was very gracious and thought the best of people. She always encouraged me in anything that I was interested in doing."

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Mike: "I like to keep it fairly simple. I usually stick to blues and crisp white shirts. I'm not really big with patterns. I like to match the shoes and the belt. And I always wear a stainless steel watch because it goes with everything. I keep the scruff just for the manly feel, but I'm clean shaven when I have to be."

TorontoVerve: "Is there anyone in particular who inspires your style?"

Mike: "David Beckham for sure. Everything he wears in on point -- the colours he uses and what he matches. For his age, he does it well and I'd like to try to adopt his style because it's something that appeals to me. He just pulls it off -- then again, he has all the money in the world. Overall, my suggestion is just play your strengths and keep it simple."

Monday, May 12, 2014

Hasan: "My style is the Great Gatsby meets Marcus Garvey. I strongly believe in clean living under difficult circumstances that's why I like Gatsby and I like Garvey because he's a revolutionary who plays a really central role in my life. I just fuse the two into my fashion. I love bow ties -- I love looking dapper -- I love making a statement."

TorontoVerve: "What's your biggest fear in life?"

Hasan: "My biggest fear is to fear -- if that makes any sense. I suffer with anxiety so I train myself not to be afraid of things in life. Fear is the mind killer."

Friday, May 9, 2014

"I collect men's wear from the 1700's to the 1920's. I also make pieces like this jacket and scarf. My jeans are from the 20's and my shoes are from 1910. I love the 19th Century."

Cullen Meyer is a New York-based designer and was in the city to attend an in-store event featuring his creations. His bold scarf line is now available to purchase on his self-titled website. "I do custom work and I hope to expand to clothing soon."

When I asked Cullen to rate Toronto street style against New York fashion, he was very complimentary to our city: "Actually, I think Toronto's fashion is better than New York's. On average -- in the street -- I thought people looked really cool here."

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